I nodded, though tears lingered on the brink of spilling over. The humiliation cut deep, but Ryan’s presence was a balm.

Ryan turned back to Ed. “You know, when you love someone, you don’t tear them down for a laugh,” he continued, his voice gaining strength. “You lift them up. Today was supposed to be about celebrating love, not making a mockery of it.”

Ed’s face fell, the weight of his actions finally settling in. The room was silent, save for the rustling of dresses and whispers of guests who were processing the unexpected turn of events.